Denver's running game has struggled all season, but it's been most effective with Ronnie Hillman getting carries instead of C.J. Anderson. Apparently, that will be the case in tonight's game against the Green Bay Packers.
That's the story from 9News in Denver, which is what was generally expected. Our rankings have Hillman a good 20 spots higher than Anderson. But it's nice to get some confirmation from someone with sources within the organization.
The matchup looks OK; the Packers rank 22nd against the run on the season. But Hillman, though better than Anderson, hasn't been ripping it up, either. With Peyton Manning old/struggling, teams are making a point of shutting down the run and asking Manning to make throws downfield that he might simply not have the arm strength to make any more.
Some other early notes:
Sounds like Dez Bryant will be active for the Cowboys, but with limited snaps. This is also as was anticipated in the rankings. If you start Bryant, you're hopeful he catches a touchdown; he'll probably be used in a goal-line capacity. You're not expecting him to catch 8 passes for 110 yards or anything, but more of a 3-4 grabs for 50 yards sort of deal, hoping one is in the end zone. Unfortunately, he's facing a Seattle defense that's allowed just 1 TD to a wide receiver in seven games. So Bryant is not a great option.
John Brown and Antonio Gates are gametime decisions, still. Not much certainty on if they'll be available, or if they'll be out (which would benefit the other Arizona wideouts, and Ladarius Green.
Josh McCown will start for the Browns. That's a boost to their passing offense, and that's how we drew it up in the Friday update.
--Andy Richardson